Voting & Elections

Election Day

Election Day: Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm

Primary: Aug 14, 2018

General: Nov 6, 2018

State and Federal Elections

State and Federal elections are held in even-numbered years. Primary elections are held on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in August. General elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

In 2018, all voters in Minnesota will have the following State and Federal offices on the ballot:

US Senator

US Representative

Governor and Lt Governor

Secretary of State

State Auditor

Attorney General

State Representative

Additionally, voters in Golden Valley will have the following County and Judicial offices on the ballot:

County Commissioner

County Attorney

County Sheriff

Supreme Court (various seats)

Court of Appeals (various seats)

Voters in the Robbinsdale School District No 281 will have School Board Members on their ballot.

Important Dates For The 2018 Elections

June 29: Absentee voting begins at City Hall, 8 am - 4:30 pm

July 24: Last day to pre-register to vote before the Primary Election

Aug 11: Absentee voting available at City Hall, 10 am - 3 pm

Aug 13: Absentee voting closes at 5 pm

Aug 14: Primary Election Day (polls open 7 am - 8 pm)

Sept 21: Absentee voting begins at City Hall, 8 am - 4:30 pm

Oct 16: Last day to pre-register to vote before the General Election

Nov 3: Absentee voting available at City Hall, 10 am - 3 pm

Nov 5: Absentee voting closes at 5 pm

Nov 6: General Election Day (polls open 7 am - 8 pm)

Municipal (City) Elections

Golden Valley holds municipal elections in odd-numbered years and does not hold municipal primary elections. The City’s five elected officials include a Mayor (four-year term) and four Council Members (four-year terms are staggered so only two members are elected at each municipal election). Council Members serve at large and represent the entire city. All offices are nonpartisan.

Running For City Office

Persons interested in running for City Council for the 2017 municipal election are able to file for office with the City Clerk in the upper level of City Hall starting Aug 1, 2017 (office hours: 8 am–4:30 pm, Monday–Friday). Filing closes Aug 15, 2017, at 5 pm. Candidates who file for office have until Aug 17 at 5 pm to withdraw from the election.

Offices up for election in 2017 are:

two council members for a term of four years commencing Jan 1, 2018 and expiring Dec 31, 2021

Requirements

To register for public office in the City of Golden Valley, candidates must:

live in Golden Valley and be a qualified voter therein

be 21 years of age or older upon assuming office

have established residency in the City at least 30 days before election day

not have filed for any other office in the current election

pay a $5 filing fee or present a petition with the signatures of eligible voters in lieu of the filing fee (Minnesota Statute 204B.07-204B.11)

file a personal financial disclosure with the Golden Valley Elections and Voter Registration Office within 14 calendar days of filing their candidacy (candidates receive a packet on campaign reporting requirements and financial disclosure reporting requirements when they file for office)

provide information requested by the City that will be made available to the public.